Chicago-based United Airlines today is launching a new tarmac transportation service at Chicago's O'Hare Airport for international first class and Global Services passengers making tight connections to domestic or other international flights at the airport. United's international flights arrive at Terminal 5. All the carrier's domestic and international flights depart from Terminal 1.

United (NYSE: UAL) spokesman Charles Hobart described the new luxury transportation service as a "fairly straightforward" offering for the carrier's top premium customers. A uniformed Global Services agent with sign in hand will meet the designated passenger upon his or her disembarkation from the arriving aircraft. The passenger then will be escorted to a waiting Mercedes S-Class sedan or GL-Class SUV for the trip to the connecting gate where the passenger will be able to board the plane via the jetbridge stairs.

Hobart emphasized this is not a service that can be reserved or requested in advance. United will prioritize who among Global Services and first class customers on a particular international flight qualify for the service based on departing flight connect times.

United introduced a similar tarmac transportation service at its Houston airport hub on Tuesday. The new tarmac transportation service comes in the wake of a partnership the airline introduced earlier this month with Mercedes Benz.

United MileagePlus Premier frequent traveler members can receive incentives of up to $5,000 when purchasing a new Mercedes, as well as 25,000 bonus miles when purchasing or leasing a Mercedes. The bonus miles deal is in effect only through Sept. 3, 2013.

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